Hawaii is not located anywhere near the Inland South. "The Southeastern United States is a region of contrast, diversity, and long history. For centuries, the South was very distinctive relative to the rest of the North America with respect to its culture and economy." (Hardwick, pg. 171) Honolulu is the natural gateway to the islands of Hawaii. It is has a large tourism industry, which brings lots of visitors which contribute to the economy. Honolulu's location contributes to the large business and trading hub between the East and the West.
Honolulu began its economic life in the mid-nineteenth century as a port for whalers; it was also a trade center for nations bordering the Pacific, dealing in such goods as sandalwood, whale oil, and fur. While markets for sandalwood and whale oil decreased, sugar and pineapple markets increased dramatically. In fact, the powerful sugar industry, owned mainly by Americans, engineered the downfall of Hawaii's last monarch and the islands' annexation by the United States. Today, one-fifth of the land in Honolulu County is zoned for agriculture, but fields are now giving way to new homes and commercial development. With the closure of sugar plantations, challenges arise to find the most productive use for these lands. Diversified agriculture has been on a steady upward trend. Aquaculture, which includes cultivated species of shellfish, finfish and algae, has grown in recent year. Honolulu's location in the mid-Pacific makes it a major stopover for trans-Pacific sea and air shipments. Honolulu Harbor has a highly successful Foreign Trade Zone and 10 major shipping companies serving the port. The harbor also has terminals for commercial fishing, cruise ships, and ferries.
http://www.city-data.com/us-cities/The-West/Honolulu-Economy.html
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